The Development of Headucate in Mental Health Awareness

Abstract

Introduction

Headucate is a pioneering student-led society at the University of East Anglia (UEA), founded in 2012. Mental health stigma exists widely and is a well-known barrier to accessing support. This presents a need for education and raising awareness about mental illness.

Objectives

The goal is to spread mental health awareness locally, measured by school outreach and events organised. This is achievable through Headucate's collaboration with the university and schools to convey the message each year.

Aims

Headucate aims to raise mental health awareness and tackle stigma, with the intention of reaching the university, schools locally and communities nationally.

Methods

Headucate delivers workshops for secondary schools. This involves interactive sessions to stimulate discussions about mental health and illness, and where to find help. Additionally, there are university-held talks from a variety of guest speakers who are experts in this field.

Results

It has expanded beyond medical students to involve the whole university, with a shared interest in mental health awareness. Research conducted by Headucate in 2014-2015 has indicated there is a statistically significant (P < 0.001) increase in the knowledge about mental illness and knowing where to get help following school workshops.

Conclusions

The success has transformed from starting as an idea into one of UEA's largest student societies which will continue to expand. Future goals include a mental health awareness campaign and collaborating with student groups at the university, to host events that link mental health to other causes. Furthermore, Headucate is hoping to expand outreach to the elderly community.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.